A detail of Experimental Jetset's "Statement and Counter-Statement." The large, backlit sign, is composed of three collaged posters that pay tribute to other designers.

A detail of Experimental Jetset's "Statement and Counter-Statement." The large, backlit sign, is composed of three collaged posters that pay tribute to other designers.

Photo: Experimental Jetset

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The textile company Maharam Digital Products commissions artists and designers to create wallpaper that it prints on demand. The Berlin design studio cyan created "Flieger" (2010).

The textile company Maharam Digital Products commissions artists and designers to create wallpaper that it prints on demand. The Berlin design studio cyan created "Flieger" (2010).

Photo: Maharam Digital Projects

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LaToya Ruby Frazier's "Floral Comforter" from the "Momme Portrait" series is on view at the Contemporary Art Museum Houston.

LaToya Ruby Frazier's "Floral Comforter" from the "Momme Portrait" series is on view at the Contemporary Art Museum Houston.

Photo: LaToya Ruby Frazier

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Drum Captain Juan Rojas performs with Aldine High School Blue Steel Drum Ensemble during 'Day of Music' at Jones Hall on Saturday, July 13, 2013, in Houston. The free event is geared to celebrate Houston's talent and music diversity during the Symphony's Centennial Season. ( Mayra Beltran / Houston Chronicle ) less

Drum Captain Juan Rojas performs with Aldine High School Blue Steel Drum Ensemble during 'Day of Music' at Jones Hall on Saturday, July 13, 2013, in Houston. The free event is geared to celebrate Houston's ... more

Photo: Mayra Beltran, Staff

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Nelson Ulloa plays with Mariachi Autlan, who are alumns from Mariachi MECA, in the outside patio stage during 'Day of Music' at Jones Hall on Saturday, July 13, 2013, in Houston. The free event is geared to celebrate Houston's talent and music diversity during the Symphony's Centennial Season. ( Mayra Beltran / Houston Chronicle ) less

Nelson Ulloa plays with Mariachi Autlan, who are alumns from Mariachi MECA, in the outside patio stage during 'Day of Music' at Jones Hall on Saturday, July 13, 2013, in Houston. The free event is geared to ... more

Photo: Mayra Beltran, Staff

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Getting involved with the theater

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With its season-opening production of Tom Stoppard's "The Real Thing," Main Street Theater will begin a program to enhance the play-going experience and increase understanding of the theatrical process.

"Part of the Art" will offer special opportunities with each Main Street production.

Houstonians are invited to:

1 Attend the cast's first read-through of the script (free);

1 Sip mimosas while perusing the costume parade, with the designer showing the clothes created for each character ($20);

1 Have dinner with each production's artists, or with the director ($50).

The initial event will be the first reading for "The Real Thing," at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 12, at Main Street Theater, 2540 Times. Enjoy a glass of wine while director Rebecca Greene Udden shares her thoughts on the play, designers show their concepts for production, and actors read the script and discuss the play. The free event requires reservations by Aug. 9, to shannon@mainstreet theater.com.

Recent talks by Whitney Biennial alum Latoya Ruby Frazier, whose work is on exhibit at the museum, were free - in keeping with the museum's "Always Fresh, Always Free" slogan.

This one is not. Hear it at 7 p.m. Saturday at Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. Tickets are $15-$25 at houston.aiga.org.

You can, however, still see work by Sagmeister and Bantjes at no charge through Sept. 29 at the museum, 5216 Montrose. Details at 713-284-8250 or camh.org.

Molly Glentzer

Day of Music to return

After nearly 10,000 people turned out for the Houston Symphony's Day of Music at Jones Hall, the orchestra expects to make the festival an annual event.

The orchestra played two concerts and hosted more than two dozen Houston music groups performing jazz, rock, gospel and other styles during the daylong festival July 13. The orchestra stockpiled 7,000 wrist bracelets to give visitors to help track attendance, and the supply gave out about 3 p.m. - with seven hours of music to go.

The orchestra held the Day of Music as part of the yearlong celebration of the group's 100th anniversary. But the orchestra intends to make it permanent, Hanson said.

"As we hoped it would, Day of Music helped establish the Houston Symphony and Jones Hall as the heart of our city's rich musical culture," Hanson said. "And the day generated an outstanding level of awareness, exposure and enthusiasm for our organization."